why do i grind my teeth in my sleep?

Answer 1

This info was very interesting:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruxism

And this:

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth. The condition affects both children and adults.

Some people with bruxism unconsciously clench their teeth together during the day, often when they feel anxious or tense. This is different from tooth grinding or clenching that occurs at night, which is called sleep bruxism. Most children who are bruxers do so at night, while adults are either daytime or nighttime bruxers.

Bruxism may be mild and may not even require treatment. However, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems. Unfortunately, people with sleep bruxism usually aren't aware of the habit, so they aren't diagnosed with the condition until complications occur. That's why it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care.

Answer 2

Orthodontists will talk about a semi-reflex that we have if we have, for example, a bit of food inbetween our teeth - such that we will chew that bit of food until it is okay to swallow and we generally can do this without thinking.

If your teeth aren't quite fitting correctly, a bad bite, not quite perfect, this reflex is not consciously controlled when you sleep, and your mind thinks it is a bit of food and it begins to try to rid itself of what it thinks is food. This is major one reason... a bad bite.

The other major reason is tension. If you watch people talking in a heated argument, or even just watch people talking, frequently they flex the muscle that closes the mandible not really conscious they are doing it. Anyway, that same reflex is "triggered" when you sleep.

With me, it got so bad, I had TMJ, temporal-mandibular joint syndrome for several years and even damaged the cartilage between the mandible and the socket right just in front of the ear. Go see your dentist and he will send you off to a specialist who might grind down your teeth if they don't sit straight, and/or reccommend some behaviors that can reduce tension, and things like not chewing gum or hard objects. I used to chew plastic straws. Good luck!! And, learn as much as you can about what, for me was an expensive, enduring problem, almost 15 years, until I finally got it under control.

Answer 3

I have had this problem most of my life. So bad that I had to have two teeth capped due to the damage I had done. My advice is go to WebMD. I followed their advice, especially about chewing gum, and my night grinding has stopped completely.

Answer 4

I also grind my teeth and clench my jaws at night which causes severe headaches all the time. My dentist has made a bite splint for me to wear at night. When doing this, you wear down your teeth and this is prevented with a bite splint!

Answer 5

Maybe you're craaazy!
You know, like the song...

Answer 6

bruxism is an inherited trait.

Answer 7

anxiety!